Vietnamese Museum Australia
Head of Curatorial and Collections
The Vietnamese Museum Australia is looking for a visionary Head of Curatorial and Collections to shape our nation’s first Vietnamese museum,
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
The Vietnamese Museum Australia exists to preserve and share the stories of the Vietnamese refugee journey and community. We are building Australia’s first national Vietnamese museum to ensure these histories are not lost, but celebrated, honoured and passed on to future generations. By curating collections and exhibitions, we give voice to those who endured displacement, highlight resilience and contribution, and strengthen cultural identity. Our work is for the Vietnamese diaspora, for multicultural Australia, and for everyone who believes in the power of stories to build understanding and connection.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This role exists because stories matter. The Vietnamese Museum Australia is being built to preserve the refugee journey and celebrate Vietnamese culture for generations to come. As Head of Curatorial and Collections, you’ll lead the development of our inaugural collection and bring exhibitions to life that honour resilience, identity, and contribution. Working closely with community, you’ll shape how these stories are told and ensure they remain accessible and meaningful. Your work will not only guide the Museum’s curatorial vision, but also create a lasting cultural legacy that strengthens understanding and connection across Australia.
ABOUT YOU
We’re looking for an experienced curator and collections leader to help build Australia’s first Vietnamese Museum. In this role, you’ll shape our inaugural collection and lead exhibitions that preserve refugee stories, celebrate Vietnamese culture, and create a lasting cultural legacy.
You’ll bring at least 10 years’ experience in curatorial, collections or exhibition management, along with knowledge of collection management systems (like Victorian Collections) and best practice standards for caring for cultural collections. We’re seeking someone who can inspire and lead a high-performing team while planning and delivering exhibitions that engage and connect with diverse audiences. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and budgets are essential.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are critical. You’ll collaborate with community members, staff, board members, and partner organisations, ensuring our museum reflects and respects the stories it shares. A degree in museum studies, history, curatorship, or a related field is highly regarded, and knowledge of Vietnamese culture and history is a valuable asset, although not mandatory. This role will be based in Sunshine once the museum site is established. In the interim, it will be performed remotely with attendance at various locations as required. Some travel and occasional after-hours work will also be required.
